Athletic Bilbao president Jon Uriarte has called for ‘respect’ for the club amid ongoing speculation surrounding the future of Nico Williams.
Williams is set to be at the centre of transfer rumours this summer after starring for Spain at this summer’s European Championship. The 21-year-old has had an influential role in Spain’s run to the final of Euro 2024, where La Roja will take on England in Berlin on Sunday.
The winger’s eye-catching performances have led to continued speculation over his future, with a number of Premier League clubs and Barcelona chasing a deal.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta last week went public in his side’s interest in signing the Spaniard and insisted the Catalans have the financial power to match Williams’ release club, rumoured to be around £46m, at The San Mamés Stadium.
“I like Nico, a lot. I can say that financially we can make it happen,” Laporta told Catalunya Radio.
“It’s result of work that has been done over all these years to reach this point. We could, of course, face a signing of this level.”
Uriarte, however, has insisted that Athletic are capable of keeping their best talent and called for respect for his side amid the transfer talk surrounding the club’s top talent.
“We have a top project with no limit and we’re able to keep top players like Nico Williams at the club,” Uriarte said, as per Fabrizio Romano.
“There are too many questions always asked to Nico on his future as Federation has not been able to protect him. We ask for respect.”
